Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal conditions in dogs, causing pain, reduced mobility, and significantly reduced quality of life. At Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab, we diagnose and manage hip dysplasia regularly — and earlier detection always leads to better outcomes.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of moving smoothly, the joint grinds and shifts, causing erosion of cartilage, inflammation, and over time, secondary arthritis. It is primarily a genetic condition, but diet, exercise, and growth rate also influence severity.
Breeds Most Commonly Affected
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Rottweilers
- Great Danes
- Saint Bernards
- Bulldogs
Smaller breeds can also be affected but less commonly.
Signs and Symptoms
Hip dysplasia can appear as early as 5–6 months in severe cases, or not until middle age in mild cases. Signs include:
- Reluctance to rise from lying down, especially in the morning
- Bunny-hopping gait — moving both hind legs together rather than alternating
- Swaying or wobbling at the hindquarters during walking
- Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping into cars
- Hind leg muscle wasting (the hindquarters look thinner than the front)
- Pain on hip manipulation during examination
- Behavioural changes — reduced activity, reluctance to play
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires physical examination and X-rays. We position your dog in a specific way for hip radiographs that allows assessment of the degree of joint laxity and arthritis present. Blood tests are performed to rule out other causes of lameness.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on age, severity, and how much arthritis has developed.
Medical Management (conservative):
- Weight management — reducing load on the joint is the single most effective intervention
- Controlled, low-impact exercise — swimming and leash walks, not running
- Pain medication (NSAIDs) — prescribed by your vet, never human ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Joint supplements — glucosamine and chondroitin support cartilage health
- Physiotherapy — targeted exercises to maintain muscle mass around the joint
Surgical Options: For younger dogs with no significant arthritis, surgical correction can provide long-term joint health. For older dogs with advanced arthritis, Total Hip Replacement (THR) or Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) are options. We discuss referral to orthopaedic specialists when surgical intervention is appropriate.
Prevention
While hip dysplasia is genetic, severity can be reduced by:
- Keeping large breed puppies lean during the rapid growth phase (4–12 months)
- Avoiding high-impact exercise on stairs and slippery floors during growth
- Feeding a large-breed puppy food with controlled calcium
If your dog shows any signs of hind limb difficulty, do not wait. Call 077569 65169 — early management significantly slows arthritis progression.
